Sunday, July 7, 2013

Airborne & Special Operations Museum

A few days after moving to NC, Ron Heinzen and I went to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville. If you are interested in learning about how our airborne soldiers and special forces first started, you have to visit this place.

Outside, there are several small monuments recognizing the various divisions of the airborne and special forces.

This gun is perfect for getting rid of houseflies and runaway balloons.

The museum exhibits are in chronological order, detailing how the forces were developed and improved over time.

An example of a military aircraft carrying airborne troops

I learned a lot about the different military operations that airborne troops became involved in. Here you see equipment from North Africa and Sicily conflicts.

Many troops were dropped right into towns like this replica demonstrates.

German commander (I believe for a Panzer tank division) surrendering to American commander after airborne troops successfully defended a French town.

An example of artillery that can be dropped from the air. Below: you can see the evolution of the airborne troops (helicopters revolutionized military tactics).

Example of modern day special forces.

I want one of these.

Honestly, the soldier on the ground could have picked a better spot to lay low.